How to Select Multiple Elements in Canva Using Layers: A Quick Guide for Faster Design

If you’ve ever found yourself clicking around endlessly in Canva trying to select the right pieces of your design—you’re not alone. Whether you’re updating a flyer, adjusting text styles, or trying to change colors across multiple elements, knowing how to select multiple items in Canva can save you a ton of time and frustration.

In this quick tutorial, you’ll learn how to select multiple elements in Canva using layers and shortcuts, so you can work faster and more confidently—especially if you’re new to Canva.


Why This Matters

When you’re editing in Canva, selecting and managing elements individually can slow down your workflow. Using simple tools like Shift + Click and the Layers panel, you can group, edit, or style multiple items at once—like text boxes, shapes, or icons—without having to start from scratch.

Method 1: Use Shift + Click

The first method is the most straightforward. Just hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on each element you want to select. This is great for designs where all elements are easily visible and accessible.

Once you’ve selected multiple items, you can move them together, align them, or apply changes like font color, size, or position.

Method 2: Use the Layers Panel

Sometimes, elements are stacked or hidden behind others. That’s where Canva’s Layers panel becomes your best friend.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Click on Position in the top toolbar.
  2. Select the Layers tab.
  3. Hold down the Command key on Mac or Control on PC, then click to select multiple items in the layer list.

This method gives you a full visual overview of your design’s structure and is perfect for fine-tuning elements that are hard to reach on the canvas.

Bonus Tip: Change Styles in Bulk

After selecting multiple elements—whether through Shift + Click or Layers—you can make bulk changes like color updates or font changes all at once. This is especially useful when customizing templates or branding your own designs.

Final Thoughts

Mastering how to select multiple elements in Canva is a small skill that leads to big design wins. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes tricks that can seriously upgrade your workflow.

Watch the full video tutorial here for a step-by-step walkthrough:
[How to Select Multiple Elements in Canva Using Layers (Step-by-Step Tutorial)]